To better understand Buddhism, Steve Hagen is one of the authors I recommend the most. This quote is from “Buddhism is not what you think”. (Recommended reading)

“To seek enlightenment as though we expect some kind of payback is only to frustrate ourselves. If you really want to wake up, then just wake up.” Or to paraphrase Kabir, if you really want to see “It”, you’ll see it instantly.

It is simple! Our thinking mind (ego) wants complication. Pay attention. It is all right “Here”.